NOVEL NEXT Chapter 81.2
Stage 3-14. A Letter To Alice
This idea came to me while writing the letter.
I realized during the ear-cleaning the other day that I know far too little about Alice’s private life.
Most of what I know is from documents; I’ve hardly ever heard it directly from her.
I had assumed I didn’t need to because Alice would follow me regardless.
And it’s true—unless she uncovers my misdeeds, she’ll wield her strength as the sword of Ouga Vellet.
But that’s not enough.
When true help is needed, the key lies in the bonds we build daily.
Mashiro, Karen, Reina. And Alice.
They’re all indispensable to my life as a villainous noble.
Among them, Alice is the one with whom I’ve had the least personal conversations, though I suppose the nature of our relationship makes it unavoidable.
“You write one question to the other person and give it to them. The other person answers the question and writes the next one, then gives it back. That’s the only rule.”
“P-Please wait, Ouga-sama. Are you sure you want to do this with me? Could this be some kind of mistake?”
“No, if anything, I only want to do this with you.”
“…O-Ouga-sama…!”
With the others, I can just ask them directly without resorting to such roundabout methods.
With Alice, though, the master-servant dynamic gets in the way during face-to-face interactions.
But through writing, it might feel a bit easier.
I’ve already included my first question to Alice at the end of my gratitude letter:
“Will you continue to be my sword?”
Her answer is practically a given, but starting small like this should help her get used to it.
“Write honestly. There’s no need to hold back for my sake.”
“…Understood. I humbly accept.”
Alright, that’s everything I needed to do for now.
All that’s left is to ask her to help with Mashiro and the others’ training.
I briefly summarize the details and tell Alice.
“So Riche-sama and Revetzenka-sama will be joining as well?”
“That’s right. Please lend them your aid too.”
“…Understood.”
Great, all missions complete.
Having finished everything, I suddenly feel hungry.
“Alright, let’s go. It’s not good to keep everyone waiting.”
“…Ouga-sama, I’m terribly sorry. Would it be alright if I return to my room to place your letter there first?”
“Haha, of course. I’ll head on ahead.”
“Thank you. Excuse me.”
With a bow, Alice hurries off to the servants’ quarters at the edge of the mansion.
How very typical of Alice.
Still, I see. For her to treasure it so much…
I must be rising greatly in her esteem.
It seems I was spot on in guessing she’d felt lonely about not receiving a letter before.
“Heheh… My observational skills are truly terrifying.”
Chuckling to myself, I head in the opposite direction from her.